More and more people are recognizing the benefits of
sharing their lives with companion animals. A 2003–4 survey of pet guardians by
the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association revealed that one in
three U.S. households has at least one cat or dog. That adds up to 77.7
million companion cats and 65 million companion dogs residing in the U.S.
alone. In Israel there are no official statistics about the number of dogs
or cats in households. Approximately 160,000 dogs are vaccinated against
rabies and licensed each year, although estimates about the real number of
dogs in homes range as high as 400,000. There are no statistics at all for
cats.

On average, a companion cat lives 12–15 years, though some
live into their 20s. The Guinness Book of World Records cites the
oldest cat for whom records are available as living to the ripe old age of
34. The average lifespan of a cat living outside without a caretaker, by
comparison, is 2 years. Living with humans has benefits. Companion dogs live
an average of 10–12 years, with large dogs having shorter lifespans than
small ones. The oldest dog recorded is 28.

How do we care for the animals with whom we share our lives
for more than a decade and, in some cases, two? The fortunate ones are fed
the most nutritious food, and they are provided with the best in veterinary
care, exercise, companionship, and love. Those with the misfortune to live
with neglectful or abusive guardians, just like neglected or abused children,
suffer. Some dogs spend their entire lives on the ends of chains.

In this section, you can learn about:

Why it is important to adopt a cat or dog from an
animal shelter

How to feed a cat or dog to maintain optimal health

How to recognize when your companion animal has a
health problem and what to do about it

Why declawing your cat is cruel

How to reduce stress for you and your companion animal
when you travel together

How to use humane dog and cat training methods to
maintain harmony at home

So keep up with the latest ideas and
have a great time with your animal friend and companion.